At last night’s School Board meeting, Bainbridge School Board president Patty Fielding announced the resignation of John Tawresey from the board. Tawresey, who was arrested last week for DUI and hit and run, initially requested and was granted a leave of absence, but on Tuesday he submitted his letter of resignation.

Fielding shared a line from Tawresey’s letter: “If the District were to lose one vote at levy time, or if one citizen were to derive a negative opinion towards the District, it would be one to many, and I believe that this is the situation.”

In her announcement, Fielding said, “Those who attended School Board meetings during John’s tenure know that his was a wise, experienced voice with pragmatic perspective. Often, the honest dialogue generated by John’s views shifted direction toward a better path and better decision on behalf of students and the District.”

Filling a vacancy is directed by Board policy and is done by appointment. Fielding announced that the Board will begin the process as soon as possible.